Elective Home Education

Elective Home Education (EHE)

The Local Authority is currently working with a group of home educating parents to review our protocols in this area of work.

In England, the law states that the responsibility for a child's education while they are of compulsory school age (currently ages 5 to 16) rests with their parents. Whilst the majority of children in the Nottingham City area are educated in their local school, it is recognised by Nottingham City Council that some parents choose to educate their children at home.

Parents who decide to educate their child at home become solely responsible for their child's education and must be prepared to take full responsibility for the costs involved, for example: stationery, equipment, books, tutors, examination fees. Nottingham City Council does not provide work or financial assistance.

If your child currently attends school

If your child currently attends school the key legal step in starting Elective Home Education is toderegisterthem from the school; this means that you write a letter to the Headteacher informing them that you intend to home educate your child(ren) from a specific date.

In the case of a mainstream school, the school should take your child off roll and inform the local authority. You will then become directly responsible for organising your child's education; in the case of a special school, the school would consult with the Local Authority before making a decision to deregister the child.

A meeting between you, the current school and the Elective Home Education Coordinator can be offered to support you in the process; this can be particularly helpful if there are concerns you wish to discuss with your child's school or if you are feeling under pressure to home educate.

If Elective Home Education is being considered as a result of a serious issue at school, we strongly recommend that parents raise this with the Headteacher or write to the school's governors. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, further information is available in 'Problems at School' download. This supports our work on School Improvement and does not affect your right to home educate.

We work in partnership with other services e.g. health and Futures both of which would be available to all children attending a mainstream school; in this way we ensure that children who are home educated receive their entitlement.

Parents, in reaching a decision whether or not home education is appropriate for their child, often have several common questions, some of which may be listed below.

Home education FAQ

What is Elective Home Education?

Elective Home Education is where parents or carers of a child decide to educate their child at home instead of sending them to a school. The parent or carer will have full responsibility for providing a full-time education suitable to the child's age and ability and to any special educational needs they may have.

Do I have to ask permission to educate my child at home?

No, you do not have to ask permission to begin educating at home unless your child attends a special school.

What are my legal requirements?

As stated in section 7 of the Education Act 1996:

"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable: (a) to his age, ability and aptitude(b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise"

Would I have to teach the National Curriculum?

No, the National Curriculum only applies to state schools. You should, however, consider the effect it may have on the child if the National Curriculum is not followed. It may result in them being disadvantaged in terms of future study and qualifications.

Would my child still be able to take examinations?

Yes, but you would need to enrol with an examination board and find out where your local examination centres are. You also need to consider the cost of the examinations, if coursework is required and whether the education that you are going to provide would enable your child to achieve the qualification.

Would I need to teach my child during school hours?

No, you are able to teach your child on any day of the week and and choose the hours that you feel are suitable. You should consider that children in schools receive around 25 hours of education a week over 39 weeks a year.

What if the education that I provide is not satisfactory?

If it appears that you are not providing a suitable education, Nottingham City Council could issue a School Attendance Order which would require your child to be placed on a school roll.

Can I change my mind once I have decided to educate my child at home?

This would be discussed at the initial meeting with the Elective Home Education Coordinator. Your child would be able to return to a school but not necessarily the school of your choice and you may find the process to be lengthy. We would advise that too many transitions are disruptive to a child's education and well being.

Can I speak to somebody if I have any further questions about Elective Home Education?

Education events

The National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) are holding a series of exciting new education workshops for Bassetlaw Museum, the Guildhall in Leicester and Papplewick Pumping Station. These sessions will link to History, Geography, English and other subjects.

At Bassetlaw Museum the new learning activities will focus on 'Roman Masters and Slaves'. Children will be able to take part in an 'archaeological dig' where they will uncover domestic Roman objects and find out more about them. They will also have the opportunity to make a Roman disc brooch (KS1) or a Roman coiled pot (KS2).

At the Guildhall pupils will learn more about 'The Tudors'. Children will look at Tudor crime and punishment and what it meant to be rich and poor during these times

Interactive activities at Papplewick Pumping Station are based on the Water Cycle. Children will be able to use and develop their investigation skills.

Limited spaces are still available for primary aged groups to take part in these heritage education sessions free of charge during February and March.